Live Anthrax Found In US Military Shipment To Australia; Possesses No Known Infections Or Health Risks

An investigation of a U.S. military facility's misguided shipments containing live anthrax bacteria has reportedly shown yet another live sample, this time it’s from a 2008 batch sent to Australia, a top U.S. defence official has confirmed on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon has revealed at least 24 labs in the United States and one each in Australia and South Korea received the doubtful anthrax samples. If the revelation is confirmed, it could be due to a broader problem among anthrax samples made inactive at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground in Utah. But the matter of concern right now is the sample sent to Australia, including the type of laboratory that may have received it.

A spokesperson from the Australian Department of Agriculture informed the allegations were considered a big deal, so an investigation took place to understand the real circumstances of the alleged arrival, importantly, whether it actually arrived.

"Given that this relates to a potential import from 2008, this may take some time to complete," the spokesperson said. "The Australian Government is working with the US government in the course of this investigation. "There is a negligible risk to human health."

Suspected live samples were reportedly been received by 11 U.S. states and a U.S. air base in South Korea over a period between March 2014 and April 2015 before being discovered. Meanwhile, the U.S. military confirmed the alleged arrival doesn’t pose any known health threat or risks to common people.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail: barsha23@gmail.com.